lymph node biopsy
overview
- A lymph node biopsy is a test that checks for disease in your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped organs located in different parts of your body. They’re found close to internal organs such as your stomach, intestines, and lungs, and are most commonly noted in the armpits, the groin, and the neck.
- Lymph nodes are part of your immune system, and they help your body recognize and fight off infections. A lymph node may swell in response to an infection somewhere in your body. Swollen lymph nodes can appear as a lump beneath your skin.
- Your doctor may find swollen or enlarged lymph nodes during a routine examination. Swollen lymph nodes that result from minor infections or insect bites typically don’t require medical care. However, to rule out other problems, your doctor may monitor and check your swollen lymph nodes.
- If your lymph nodes remain swollen or grow even larger, your doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This test will help your doctor look for signs of a chronic infection, an immune disorder, or cancer.
Types of lymph node biopsy
- Needle biopsy. There are 2 types of needle biopsies: …
- Excisional or incisional biopsy. …
- Endoscopic biopsy. …
- Laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and mediastinoscopic biopsy. …
- Laparotomy and thoracotomy. …
- Skin biopsies. …
- Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy.
- tenderness around the biopsy site
- infection
- bleeding
- numbness caused by accidental nerve damage
- You lie on the examination table. You may be given medicine to calm you and make you sleepy or you may have general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and pain-free.
- The biopsy site is cleansed.
- A small surgical cut (incision) is made. The lymph node or part of the node is removed.
- The incision is closed with stitches and a bandage or liquid adhesive is applied.
- An open biopsy may take 30 to 45 minutes.
